Ban on bars: Kerala cabinet ratifies new liquor policy

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala cabinet on Wednesday ratified the new liquor policy of the Congress-led UDF government which envisaged to shut down bars attached to hotels below the five-star category as part of its plans to reduce availability of liquor. [caption id=“attachment_1684193” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Kerala cabinet ratified the new liquor policy. AFP[/caption] The cabinet, however deferred a decision on issues related to licences to beer and wine parlours and elite clubs that serve liquor. Several matters, including issues related to beer and wine parlours and clubs serving liquor, has to incorporate in the new policy, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters during cabinet briefing in Thiruvananthapuram. These issues would be taken up at the next cabinet meeting, Chandy said, adding, ruling UDF had taken a strong decision now to close down of about 730 bars. Meanwhile, as part of new policy, 312 bars attached to hotels below the five-star category would be served notices on Thursday asking them to close their bars by 12 September. Apart from closing down 312 bars, the government had also decided not to renew licences of 418 bars that remained shut since April for want of required facilities. The radical policy shift to sharply cut down on liquor trade was taken by the UDF leadership meet last week when it met consider the fate of the 418 closed bars. PTI